Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor says he's outraged by treatment delays for military veterans but isn't ready to call for Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to step down over the issue.

The two-term lawmaker from Arkansas told reporters Thursday that he wants more information on how widespread the systemic problems that an inspector general's report revealed about the VA. Pryor said he also wants to know whether similar problems exist at Arkansas' veterans' facilities.

I am not a veteran, and I agree that they should receive the best care possible. But hasn't the VA system always been legendarily cumbersome? And with all the increase in patients from two wars, one the longest in US history, hasn't the problem been coming for quite awhile?

That doesn't make it any better, but does make you wonder whether just firing everyone is the best solution.

Firing him is just a sacrifice to the political gods that says to the voters: "Hey look, we're doing something to fix it!" Nothing different than when a CEO gets fired from a company that is going down the tubes....it generally does not and will not fix the underlying problems in the company. The vets deserve the best care we can give them. Unfortunately, I submit that any system run by the government will eventually become a mess like this. Obamacare heads us in that direction with non-vet healthcare.

My sister just retired with the VA. The problem has been that the politicians love to vote for war, but don't like to fund the aftermath of necessary care. This problem has been acute for the last decade. I'm not sure that it is Shinseki's fault either.

Duuuuh.... I'm gonna wait until I get more information on how widespread the systematic failure is... Duuuuuh I won't read a bill before I vote for it but I won't make a decision until I get more information.... Duuuuuh it's no wonder this guys wife divorced him. He is NOT a man of principal or values! Duuuuuuh

I am a Vet and I will be surprised if they find a "secret waiting list" at either of the Arkansas VA hospitals. I believe they are proof that VA hospitals can do a good job---with good management. My healthcare has been exceptional and it grieves mr that all Vets haven't had access to good healthcare. What really makes my blood boil is the Senate blocking a Bill enabling the VA to fire incompetent employees, apparently because they are recipients of campaign contributions from the federal employees labor union. I am interested to know if Pryor was involved in that. Those Senators need removed from office. As does Pryor.